Rabia Temple No. 8 Hosts Annual Christmas Toy Drive Contributed by PP Stephen D. Johnson President-Past Potentates’ Council Rabia Temple No. 8 Oasis of Jacksonville Under the leadership of Illustrious Potentate Demetrius Bruno, The Rabia Temple No. 8 Past Potentate Council spearheaded the 2020 Toy Drive. The Toy Drive was a revision of the Temple’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party which historically selects children from one local daycare and provides them with toys and clothing. However, 2020 was without a doubt a very tough year as many families were adversely affected by the pandemic. The Council decided to distribute Christmas cheer throughout the Oasis of Jacksonville. The Toy Drive was held from December 1-10. The goal was to deliver Christmas goodies to at least 100 children. Not only was the goal reached, but it was also exceeded. The Council targeted partner agencies to pursue this endeavor. The Hubbard House is a certified domestic violence center that provides a safe place, encouraging social change for victims of domestic violence and their children. Sulzbacher Village empowers homeless and at-risk women, children, and men through health and housing, restoring hope and self-sufficiency. Also, there were several local daycare centers that donated toys to the children. A special thanks to the following members of the Council for their diligence, dedication and support, making the Council’s goal a reality. Online shopping was conducted by Council Vice President, Past Potentate Raymond Richardson. He ensured CDC guidelines were followed. Honorary Past Potentate Tommie Mitchell safeguarded the toys, and Imperial Deputy of the Oasis, Past Potentate Danny Horton oversaw the assembling of the gift bags according to the specific requests of one of our partners. This endeavor would not have been possible without the financial support and toy donations provided by the Nobles of Rabia Temple No. 8.
The Desert of Florida’s Oasis Magazine
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